Note: If the leak is the reason for removing the radiator, it should be remembered that small leaks can be repaired with sealant.
Removal
- Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal.
- Set the temperature control knob in the car to the maximum temperature.
- Drain the coolant from the cooling system.
- Remove the air filter.
- Remove the radiator cap (Fig. 5.30).
Fig. 5.30. Radiator of a car with a diesel engine F9Q1: 1 - coolant drain plug; 2 - radiator cap; 3 - coolant overflow hose; 4 - air hose; 5 - Upper radiator hose; 6 - expansion tank; 7 - hose; 8 - lower radiator hose; 9 - air hose; 10 - Upper left radiator support; 11 - Upper right radiator support; 12 - Radiator fan motor, radiator and air-to-air intercooler; 13 - radiator fan unit; 14 - radiator; 15 - Intercooler
- Mark the radiator hose clamps and hoses, then loosen the clamps and disconnect the upper and lower hoses from the radiator.
- Remove the coolant overflow hose.
- Loosen the clamps and remove the air hose.
- Remove the expansion tank.
- Remove the bolts and the upper radiator supports.
- Remove the bolts, disconnect the connectors and remove the radiator fan motor, radiator and intercooler as an assembly.
- Remove the radiator from the vehicle.
Examination
- Check the radiator for bent fins. If necessary, straighten the fins with a comb.
- Check the radiator for cracks, damage or leaks.
- Check the radiator hoses for cracks, damage or abrasions.
- Check the expansion tank for damage.
- Check the radiator cap.
- Check the opening pressure of the radiator cap valve.
- Check the radiator cap gasket for cracks or damage.
Installation
- Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal, taking into account the following.
- Place the hoses on the fittings so that their ends reach the protrusions on the fittings.
- Secure the hoses with clamps, aligning the marks on the hoses and clamps.
- Fill the cooling system with the required amount of the required coolant.
- Start the engine and let it run until the thermostat valve opens, then stop the engine.
- Remove the radiator cap and add coolant to the top of the radiator neck.
- Check for leaks in the cooling system.